Understanding the wiper threat
Wiper malware differs fundamentally from ransomware. Its purpose is not extortion, but irreversible destruction. Systems may be rendered completely unusable within minutes or hours, leaving no option for negotiation or decryption.
This reality places extreme pressure on detection speed, decision-making, and preparedness. Once a wiper attack is fully executed, recovery depends entirely on the availability of uncompromised backups.
Main response phases
The CCB playbook outlines a structured response approach centered on preparedness and rapid action:
- Detection and initial response
Early detection is critical. Continuous monitoring and alerting capabilities are required to identify abnormal behavior before data destruction spreads. - Containment and protection of critical assets
Immediate containment aims to stop the attack from propagating. A top priority at this stage is the protection of backup infrastructure, including isolation from the affected environment. - Coordination and crisis management
Clear command structures, defined decision authority, and multi-channel communication are essential. Incident response teams, IT operations, management, and external stakeholders must be aligned. - Recovery and restoration
Once the attack is contained, recovery focuses on restoring systems from trusted backups and re-establishing essential services. - Post-incident improvement
After recovery, organizations should conduct thorough reviews, update procedures, and integrate lessons learned into future preparedness.
Key priorities
The playbook highlights several critical success factors:
- Speed from detection to containment.
- Immediate isolation and protection of backups.
- Regular exercises and tested procedures.
- Effective internal and external coordination.
- Continuous improvement based on real incidents.